The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gave in-principle approval for revisions in the salaries, gratuity, allowances and pension of working and retired judges in the Supreme Court and the High Courts.

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It follows the implementation of the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in respect of Civil Servants.

The approval will pave the way for necessary amendments in the two laws viz. Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958 and High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954, which govern the salaries of Chief Justice of India (CJI), Judges of Supreme Court of India, Chief Justices and all Judges of High Courts.

Further, the increase in salary and allowance is expected to benefit 31 judges of SC and 1079 judges of HCs. Also, approximately 2500 retired Judges will also be benefited on account of revision of pension/gratuity. 

The cabinet said, "Arrears on account of revised salaries, gratuity, pension and family pension with effect from January 01, 2016, will be paid as one time lump sum payment."

While this comes as a good news for judges working in SC and HCs, there are 34 lakh civilian employees and 14 lakh Defence Forces personnel who are still awaiting the clarification from government in regards to their minimum pay and fitment factor demand beyond the recommendation of 7CPC.